Ramya Krishnan is Kamala Reddy in Manchu Manoj's 'David Reddy'
Synopsis
On her birthday, Ramya Krishnan was unveiled as the fierce Kamala Reddy in Manchu Manoj's period epic 'David Reddy' — a historical action drama set between 1897 and 1922 that frames itself around India's freedom struggle. With an international co-star already confirmed and back-to-back character reveals, the film's Pan-Indian ambitions are becoming impossible to ignore.
Key Takeaways
Ramya Krishnan plays Kamala Reddy in the upcoming period drama 'David Reddy' , with her first look poster released on 15 September 2026 — her birthday.
Manchu Manoj , who leads the film, shared the reveal on social media calling it 'an absolute privilege' to share the screen with her.
Ukrainian actress Maria Riabhoshapka plays Clara Whitmore in the film, reflecting its Pan-Indian and international casting approach.
The film is directed by Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti and produced by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures .
Set between 1897 and 1922 , the story is described as a 'raw, high-octane historical action drama' linked to India's anti-colonial struggle.
Manchu Manoj announced the project in August last year to mark 21 years in cinema; 'David Reddy' is his 21st film .
Actress Ramya Krishnan has been revealed as Kamala Reddy in the upcoming period action drama 'David Reddy', starring Manchu Manoj in the lead. The makers released her first look poster on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 — coinciding with Ramya Krishnan's birthday — offering audiences a glimpse of her 'ferocious' avatar in the film directed by Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti.
Birthday Reveal and Manchu Manoj's Tribute
Taking to his social media timelines to share the first look poster, Manchu Manoj wrote, 'One look. The entire frame belongs to her. Happy Birthday to the phenomenal @meramyakrishnan garu! Your presence, your fire, your command over a scene… an absolute privilege to share the screen with you!' He added, 'Celebrating you today by introducing our ferocious KAMALA REDDY to the world, from the world of David Reddy. Just wait till you see her in action.'
The timing of the reveal — on the actress's birthday — was a deliberate creative decision by the production, giving the announcement added emotional weight and generating significant buzz across social media platforms.
The 'David Reddy' Universe Takes Shape
The character of Kamala Reddy joins a growing ensemble in the film. Earlier, the makers confirmed that Ukrainian model and actress Maria Riabhoshapka plays a character named Clara Whitmore. Director Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti had welcomed Riabhoshapka by sharing her poster and writing, 'Her love isn't soft… it's ruthless. Welcome to the Brutal Era.' Manchu Manoj had similarly described the film's world as one 'where valor meets destiny, and every character carries the weight of epic storytelling.'
The casting of both a celebrated Indian actress in Ramya Krishnan and an international face in Maria Riabhoshapka signals the production's Pan-Indian and global ambitions.
Historical Setting: 1897 to 1922
Manchu Manoj officially announced the title 'David Reddy' in August last year, marking his 21st year in the film industry — the project is simultaneously his 21st film. He described it as 'a raw, intense, high-octane historical action drama set between 1897 to 1922', helmed by director Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti and backed by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures.
A poster released at the time carried the caption: 'Born in the Madras Presidency, Raised in Delhi. Now, shaking the British empire. Rebellion begins...' — strongly suggesting the narrative is rooted in India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Notably, the 1897–1922 time frame encompasses pivotal moments in the independence movement, from early resistance uprisings to the non-cooperation era.
What to Expect Next
With key cast members now being unveiled in quick succession, 'David Reddy' appears to be building toward a larger theatrical campaign. No official release date has been announced yet, but the structured character reveals suggest the production is in an active pre-release promotional phase. Audiences and trade watchers will be keenly awaiting further announcements, including a theatrical trailer and confirmed release window.
Point of View
With both a legendary Indian actress and an international face, signals that the makers are eyeing something beyond regional theatrical circuits. Whether Manchu Manoj's 21st film can deliver on that scale remains the real story to watch.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Ramya Krishnan play in 'David Reddy'?
Ramya Krishnan plays a character named Kamala Reddy in the period action drama 'David Reddy'. Her first look in the role was revealed on 15 September 2026, coinciding with her birthday.
What is 'David Reddy' about?
'David Reddy' is described as a raw, high-octane historical action drama set between 1897 and 1922, directed by Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti. Promotional material suggests the story is rooted in India's struggle against British colonial rule, with a character 'born in the Madras Presidency, raised in Delhi.'
Who else stars in 'David Reddy' alongside Manchu Manoj?
Apart from Ramya Krishnan as Kamala Reddy, Ukrainian model and actress Maria Riabhoshapka plays the character Clara Whitmore. Manchu Manoj leads the film in the title role.
When did Manchu Manoj announce 'David Reddy'?
Manchu Manoj announced the film in August last year to celebrate 21 years in the film industry. 'David Reddy' is his 21st film and is backed by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures.
Has a release date been announced for 'David Reddy'?
No official release date has been confirmed for 'David Reddy' as of now. The production is currently in an active character-reveal promotional phase, with further announcements expected.
